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Introduction

The O’sulloc Museum, located on Jeju-do Island near Seogwangdawon, teaches visitors about Korea’s traditional tea culture. The “o” in “o’sulloc”, means to appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc, only sulloc, and of sulloc tea.

The museum, which first opened in September 2001,is widely known in Korea. The entire building takes the shape of a green tea cup. It seeks to harmonize the cultures of the West and East, and past traditions with the modern world.

At the O’sulloc Museum, not only can visitors enjoy unique o’sulloc teas, but they can relax next to the lotus pond in the indoor garden. The second floor of the building has an observatory, so visitors can enjoy the views of the nearby green tea fields and the surrounding landscape.

Exhibition Hall Information

* Tea Cup Gallery
The cup was one of the first vessels ever created by man. Korean cups in particular are works of art that chronicle the achievement of the nation’s artistic vision and craftsmanship throughout the generations. At the Tea Cup Gallery, visitors can view a large selection of tea vessels and utensils that embody the culture of a nation whose proud history runs all the way from prehistoric times to the Samguk (the Three Kingdoms Period), Goryeo, and Joseon Dynasty.

* Tea Culture Room – Exhibition Hall
Here, you can learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the culture surrounding green tea. Explore exciting topics such as: Korean tea culture, tea history, how tea came to Korea, tea gardens of the world, how to make tea, and how we use tea. Take a step back in time at the O’sulloc Tea Museum, learning the secret of the ancients, who used tea to increase longevity and ensure soundness of mind.

*Tea Culture Room – Masters of Tea Vessels
A true art gallery, this place exhibits the works of ceramic masters. The display includes over 30 beautiful works of art, including pieces from artists Cheon Han Bong of Mungyeongyo and Kim Jeong Ok of Yeongnamyo. Cup styles range from chic and sophisticated to rough and earthy and reflect the artists’ varying interpretations of the simple tea cup theme.

* Tea Culture Room – Tea Life Center
Long long ago, Koreans retreated into the great outdoors to enjoy a cup of tea with guests at Jeongja or Daecheongmaru, places that are as close to nature as you can get. There are no records specifying tea room sizes or outlining any rigid set of rules regarding tea drinking, but historical records imply that people preferred a more natural and free-spirited atmosphere while drinking tea.

* Tea Culture – Types of Tea
Everyone has their own favorite type of tea. Tea can be categorized depending on when it was picked, how long it’s been allowed to ferment, the shapes of the leaves, the species of plant, where it was grown, and so forth. The most scientific way to categorize tea is by fermentation period. The exhibition hall presents over 60 different types of teas including those from Korea, China and Japan.

* Tea Culture –Tea Cups of the World
Here, visitors can appreciate a beautiful selection of tea cups from all over the world. The collection includes tea cups from over 100 countries and includes everything from traditional Chinese teacups to European demitasse cups. The cups are not only beautiful works of art, but also stand as a reminder of the exchange of ideas and culture (and of course tea) between the East and the West.